Search engine optimization, OK maybe a monkey can't do it but you have to admit its a catchy title. But SEO has been known to instantly puzzle many with the thought of fresh content, load times, inbound links and site authority. But guess what? It doesn’t have to be so complicated. Search engine optimization is the process of increasing the visibility of your website through the organic listings. Here’s a brief video describing search engine optimization in everyday terms:

The organic listings are shown just below the paid listings, like this:

PPC stands for pay per click, meaning your company is paying for each click from a potential customer. Basically, your business is buying these text ads on the search engines and the more you invest, the higher probability your ads will be shown. Keep in mind search engines mainly generate revenue from pay per click ads, so the more you give to them, the happier they will be. Make sense?

Many business owners feelsearch engine optimization is a long time consuming process, which can certainly be true. PPC can produce faster results because you are paying the search engines to get ahead of the pack, remember? Nevertheless, search engine optimization doesn’t have to be so time consuming as you may think. Luckily, Melissa Fach has provided a list of numerous search engine optimization guides for your business:

So why is search engine optimization imperative to your firm? When search engine optimization is executed successfully, your prospective customers will see your company’s website right below the paid ads. The new consumer buying process has changed the way your business is now found. When your business doesn’t show up immediately in a consumer’s search results, then how will they know about your products and services? It might seem trivial now, but you can ask just about anyone how they make their purchasing decisions and I bet you this: most of them will say, “I used the Internet as part of my decision.”

Does your firm have a search engine optimization strategy in place? Are there any other resources you use in addition to the guides listed by Melissa Fach?

About Alan Moore: Alan is an Internet Marketing Consultant with ReachLocal Baltimore. His mission is to help you increase your revenues and decrease unproductive advertising expenses through proven, online marketing strategies. He manages over $1.4 million in yearly marketing budgets and has worked with local businesses, agencies and the US government. Give him a call at (877)655-3438 to schedule a free consultation.